Objective :
@EN A nuchal skinfold thickness measurement of ≥6mm is widely used as a noninvasive tool in screening fetuses with Down syndrome. The aim of this study is to obtain normative data on the nuchal skinfold thickness in chromosomally normal fetuses
during
second trimester.
@ES Method :
@EN Fetal nuchal skinfold thickness was measured in the suboccipitobregmatic plane as part of second trimester ultrasonography. Three hundred thirtyfive fetuses, confirmed to by without chromosomal abnormality through evaluation by amniocentesis
and/or
postnatal examination, were included.
@ES Results :
@EN The mean of measurements increased from 2.74mm to 5.30mm between 15weeks and 26 weeks of gestation. The measurements of fetal nuchal skinfold thickness correlated linearly with gestational age(y=-1.755+0.29x, r2=0.406, p=0.0001). Fetal gender
had no
influence on this measurement. In contrast to the fact that three of 271 fetuses at ≤20 weeks of gestation showed nuchal thickness measurement of 6mm, 10 out of 64 fetuses at ≥21 weeks showed nuchal thickness measurement of ≥mm.
@ES Conclusion :
@EN During second trimester, measurements of fetal nuchal skinfold thickness increases as a function of gestational age in normal fetuses. There were no influence of fetal gender and no ethnic difference from other countries in this measurement
at
15∼20 weeks of gestation. However, measurements of fetal nuchal skinfold thickness ≥6mm as a screening tool for Down syndrome seems to be confined to fetuses at 15∼20 weeks' gestation.
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